Row of artificial eyelashes and manufacturing method

ABSTRACT

A row of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, having (i) a base part intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes, the base part having a first warp thread forming stitches, in particular a chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the false eyelashes passing through the stitches of the base part, in particular through the chain stitches of the first warp thread, and being retained in the stitches of the base part without being tied thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to makeup articles for the eyes and inparticular to artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid,and in particular to a row of artificial eyelashes and the manufacturingmethod therefor.

PRIOR ART

It is known practice to manufacture rows of artificial eyelashes bymanually gluing fibers intended to form the false eyelashes to a basepart intended to be stuck to the eyelid. However, such a manualmanufacturing method is complex and costly. Moreover, the productiontime may be fairly long and may thus limit productivity.

Furthermore, there is a risk of the false eyelashes coming away from thebase part since they are held on the base part by being glued thereto,the gluing being carried out over a very small and nonplanar surface,given the fineness of the fibers intended to form the false eyelashes.

Also known is the patent KR 10-1045497, which relates to artificialeyelashes manufactured by inserting in a zigzag shape two threadsintended to form the false eyelashes, both being fixed by chain stitchesto two base threads that are likewise constricted by chain stitches,each base thread being covered with an insertion thread.

In this configuration, the manufacturing method is complicated by thefact that the false eyelashes are formed from two threads inserted in azigzag shape and chain-stitch knitted.

There is a need to obtain in a simple manner arrangements of eyelashesthat are impossible to obtain manually and varied curvatures, withgreater variety than can be obtained manually.

There is also a need to benefit from a manufacturing method that makesit possible to reduce production times and to increase the regularity ofproduction. Furthermore, it may also be useful to reduce the lead timesand purchase costs.

Finally, there is a need to increase the level of quality of the rows offalse eyelashes obtained by the repetition by virtue of automation, butwith simple means, minimizing the number of parts of the productionmachine.

Knitted False Eyelashes

The invention aims to respond to all or some of these needs and achievesthis aim, according to one of its aspects, by virtue of a row ofartificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, having (i) abase part intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, and (ii) falseeyelashes,

the base part having a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the falseeyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto.

A “row of artificial eyelashes” is understood to be a row of eyelashesformed from synthetic eyelashes that are not entirely natural, in otherwords false eyelashes.

The false eyelashes do not form a chain stitch. The false eyelashes donot form a stitch with the first warp thread.

A row of false eyelashes that is simple, quick and inexpensive toproduce is obtained. Furthermore, the false eyelashes can be disposed invarious manners on the base part.

Moreover, the row according to the invention has good resistance to use,especially when it is handled and when it is worn.

It is solid and resistant, and can be handled easily without any risk ofa false eyelash coming away from the base part.

In one embodiment, all the false eyelashes of the row are formed from asingle weft thread. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all thefalse eyelashes. In a variant, the row could have a plurality of weftthreads, for example two or more. It is thus possible to obtain a row ofeyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some false eyelashescrossing others.

The base part may have a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, theweft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tiedthereto. The weft thread does not form a chain stitch. The weft threaddoes not form a stitch with the first warp thread. The weft threadpasses back and forth between two base parts, which extend in particularparallel and symmetrically with respect to one another. In a variant, itis possible for the two base parts not to be parallel to one another butto form an angle with one another. The angle may for example have anon-zero value of between 0.5° and 70°.

According to this aspect of the invention, there are not two separateweft threads forming all the false eyelashes.

The first warp thread may form closed chain stitches. In a variant oradditionally, the first warp thread forms open chain stitches.

The base part may have a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread, thefalse eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tiedthereto.

The first and second warp threads may be interwoven. The false eyelashespass through the chain stitches but are not tied in the first and/orsecond warp threads. The abovementioned weft thread passes through thechain stitches but is not tied in the first and/or second warp threads.The weft thread does not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

The second warp thread may form closed chain stitches. In oneembodiment, the first and second warp threads each form closed chainstitches. In a variant, the first warp thread forms open chain stitchesand the second warp thread forms closed chain stitches.

In a variant or additionally, the second warp thread may form open chainstitches. In one embodiment, the first and second warp threads each formopen chain stitches. In a variant, the first warp thread forms closedchain stitches and the second warp thread forms open chain stitches.

A “chain stitch” is understood to be a stitch forming loops that aredisposed in the manner of the links of a chain, one after another, thethread that forms a loop passing over the top of the preceding loop,thereby forming a column of stitches.

An “open chain stitch” is understood to mean that the two ends of a loopcover the top of the preceding loop with a certain non-zero spacing, ofaround the width of a loop.

A “closed chain stitch” is understood to mean that the two ends of aloop cover the top of the preceding loop with a virtually zero spacing,the two ends being substantially adjacent or even touching.

The production of open and closed stitches results in stitches made inopposite directions. When both are made at the same time around a needlewith two threads, an unravelable effect is obtained.

The false eyelashes may be regularly distributed over the base part,being in particular disposed with a regular spacing, which is forexample always identical.

In a variant, the spacing may be irregular. It may decrease and thenincrease along the base part. The spacing between two consecutive falseeyelashes of the row of eyelashes is for example between 0.07 and 2 mm,better still between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, or between 0.9 and 1.25 mm, betterstill between 0.99 and 1.11 mm, for example around 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the false eyelashes may be disposed in groups offalse eyelashes, with a first, small spacing between the false eyelashesof one and the same group, and a second, larger spacing between twoconsecutive groups. A group of false eyelashes may have between 2 and 12false eyelashes, better still between 3 and 10, for example about 6 or 8false eyelashes. The groups of false eyelashes of a row of eyelashes mayhave the same number of false eyelashes, or, in a variant, this numbervaries along the row of eyelashes, from one group to another. In oneembodiment, the row of eyelashes has a succession of groups of two falseeyelashes, or, in a variant, for example an alternation of groups of twofalse eyelashes and groups of eight false eyelashes.

The first and second warp threads may be made from a first syntheticmaterial, chosen for example from the following list, which is notlimiting: polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PET, PBT, PES, PTFE, or a threadconstituted of a core of polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PBT, PES, PTFE andcoated with a heat-activatable adhesive or a heat-activatable resin, TPUsilicone, CoPA, CoPES, TPU, TPE, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate),polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, PA, PES, PVC.

The color chosen for the first synthetic material may be similar oranalogous to the color of a user's skin, or, in a variant, the syntheticmaterial may be transparent. The first and second warp threads mayexhibit one or more colors. The first and second warp threads may eachhave one or more strands, as described below.

The false eyelashes, and in particular the weft thread, may be made froma second synthetic material, for example chosen from the following list,which is not limiting: polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PET, PBT, PES, PTFE,or any other thermoplastic fiber, or even natural fibers. It may also bea thread constituted of a core of polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PBT, PES,PTFE and coated with a heat-activatable adhesive or a heat-activatableresin, TPU silicone, CoPA, CoPES, TPU, TPE, EVA (ethylene-vinylacetate), polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, PA, PES, PVC.

The color chosen for the second synthetic material may be similar oranalogous to the color of a user's eyelashes, or, by contrast, a colorthat contrasts sharply with the color of a user's eyelashes, for examplered, black, green, blue, this list not being limiting.

It may be possible to have weft threads that differ in terms of diameterand color. The false eyelashes, and in particular the weft thread, mayexhibit one or more colors. They may exhibit for example from 1 to 5different diameters.

The first and second warp threads and/or the false eyelashes, and inparticular the weft thread, may be washed in washing baths as per theOekotex and REACH standards, in order to ensure sufficient hygienicconditions.

The base part may have an additional thread being interwoven with thefirst chain-stitch knitted warp thread, in particular being interwovenwith the first chain-stitch knitted warp thread and the secondchain-stitch knitted warp thread.

This additional thread may enable to block the knots and stitches. Itmay also enable to further limit the risk of unravelling of the firstand/or second warp threads and of the weft thread(s). It may also enableto provide a stiffening effect of the base part to which it belongs,advantageous for the good hold of the row of artificial eyelashes.

The additional thread may be added within a base part comprising a firstand a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread. In a variant, theadditional thread may be added within a base part comprising a singlefirst chain-stitch knitted warp thread.

This additional thread may run in zigzag way in the base part.

Assembly for Forming Rows of Artificial Eyelashes

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashesto be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, in particular as are definedabove, this assembly having at least two base parts, at least one ofwhich is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which aredisposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to amedian plane, and false eyelashes, which are formed from a weft thread,in particular a single weft thread, running back and forth between thetwo base parts.

In one embodiment, all the false eyelashes of the row are formed from asingle weft thread. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all thefalse eyelashes. In a variant, the row could have a plurality of weftthreads, for example two or more. It is thus possible to obtain a row ofeyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some false eyelashescrossing others.

The weft thread is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the baseparts, with a slight inclination. The weft thread is intended to be cutbetween the two base parts, so as to separate the base parts and thusform at least one row of artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows ofartificial eyelashes. The separation may occur in particular in themedian plane, or, in a variant, in a plane parallel to one of the baseparts, close to the latter, for example flush with said base part.

Each base part may have a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, theweft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tiedthereto. The weft thread does not form a chain stitch. The weft threaddoes not form a stitch with the first warp thread.

Each base part may have a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread, theweft thread passing through the chain stitches without being tiedthereto.

Each base part may have an additional thread being interwoven with thefirst chain-stitch knitted warp thread, in particular being interwovenwith the first chain-stitch knitted warp thread and the secondchain-stitch knitted warp thread, as described above.

In one embodiment, the assembly has two base parts that are disposedparallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a medianplane.

In an embodiment variant, the assembly may have three base parts thatare disposed parallel to one another and symmetrically with respect to amedian plane. The median plane may for example pass through a centralbase part, with the two other base parts being disposed on either sideof the central base part, parallel and symmetrically to one another withrespect to the median plane. In this case, there are two weft threads,with a single weft thread passing back and forth between two base parts.

In another variant, the assembly could have more base parts, for examplefour or five.

Knitting Machine

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is a machine for knitting an assembly for forming rowsof artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, inparticular as defined above, having compound needles.

A “compound needle” is a needle formed in two parts, namely a body and asliding element. The body may be made up of a butt, a stem and a hook.The sliding element may be made up of a butt and a stem. The slidingelement may slide inside the stem of the body, closing and opening thehook of the needle. The body of the needle and the sliding element maythus move independently and in a synchronized manner.

Compound needles make it possible to produce tighter stitches than latchneedles. This tightness makes it possible to ensure that the falseeyelashes are fixed very well to the base part.

The machine may in particular not have a latch needle. A latch needle isa needle made up of a butt, a stem and a beard, and a latch articulatedon the stem. The latch exhibits an oscillating movement along the axisof the stem, and opens and closes the beard of the needle. A latchneedle needs to work with a sinker, which serves to form the stitch.

In the invention, the machine may in particular not have a sinker. Themachine according to the invention thus does not have a sinker forforming the stitch.

Manufacturing Method

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is a method for manufacturing a row of artificialeyelashes, having at least the following step of: (a) knitting anassembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to theedge of an eyelid, in particular as are defined above, this assemblyhaving at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to befixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel andsymmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and falseeyelashes, which are formed from a weft thread, in particular a singleweft thread, running back and forth between the two base parts.

In one embodiment, all the false eyelashes of the row are formed from asingle weft thread. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all thefalse eyelashes. In a variant, the row could have a plurality of weftthreads, for example two or more. It is thus possible to obtain a row ofeyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some false eyelashescrossing others.

The knitting may take place such that each base part has a firstchain-stitch knitted warp thread, the weft thread passing through thechain stitches without being tied thereto. The weft thread does not forma chain stitch. The weft thread does not form a stitch with the firstwarp thread.

The knitting may take place such that each base part has a secondchain-stitch knitted warp thread, the weft thread passing through thechain stitches without being tied thereto.

In an embodiment, each base part may have a first chain-stitch knittedwarp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passing through thechain stitches without being tied thereto, and a second chain-stitchknitted warp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passingthrough the chain stitches without being tied thereto.

The first and second warp threads may be interwoven.

The knitting step may be implemented by means of compound needles. Theknitting step may in particular not be implemented by means of latchneedles. The knitting step may in particular not be implemented by meansof sinkers.

In one embodiment, the assembly has two base parts that are disposedparallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to a medianplane.

In an embodiment variant, the assembly may have three base parts thatare disposed parallel to one another and symmetrically with respect to amedian plane. The median plane may for example pass through a centralbase part, with the two other base parts being disposed on either sideof the central base part, parallel and symmetrically to one another withrespect to the median plane. In this case, there are two weft threads,with a single weft thread passing back and forth between two base parts.

In another variant, the assembly could have more base parts, for examplefour or five.

The method may also have at least the following step of: (e) activatingthe warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which isthermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. Theactivation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heatingroller or steam, for example. Activation step (e) may take placepreferably after knitting step (a) and before one or more of steps (b),(c) and/or (d) mentioned below. This activation step (e) may, in avariant, take place after one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d)mentioned below.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

The method may have the following additional step of: (b) curving therow of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/or the falseeyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energystimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, inparticular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

Curving step (b) may take place preferably after knitting step (a). Thiscurving step (b) may take place at the same time as, or before, or, in avariant, after one or more of steps (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned aboveor below. In particular, steps (b) and (c) may be at the same time or,in a variant, consecutive, preferably with step (b) taking place beforestep (c), or, in a variant, step (c) may take place after step (b). Step(b) may take place after step (d) or, in a variant, step (d) may takeplace after step (b). Separation step (c) and cutting step (d) andcurving step (b) may be at the same time or in succession.

Heating may involve the application of steam.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (c)separating the two base parts by cutting the weft thread, in particularin a median plane, so as to form in this way at least one row ofartificial eyelashes, in particular two rows of artificial eyelashes, inparticular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or highfrequencies or by heating. The median plane may be a plane of symmetrybetween the two base parts.

In one embodiment, the two base parts that are disposed parallel andsymmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane areseparated in the median plane.

In an embodiment variant, the three base parts are separated in aseparation plane parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter,for example flush with said base part. This may be for example thecentral base part, and a lateral base part.

Finally, the method may have a step of washing the base parts before orafter separation, in washing baths as per the Oekotex and REACHstandards, in order to ensure sufficient hygienic conditions.

Curving step (b) and separation step (c) may be in succession or at thesame time.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (d) cuttingthe rows of artificial eyelashes to the desired length, in particular bymechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or byheating. In this step (d), the rows of eyelashes are cut perpendicularlyto the median plane. There may be different shapes that are regular orirregular, for the right eye or left eye, etc.

Curving step (b), separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be insuccession or at the same time.

The manufacture of the rows of artificial eyelashes is simple,inexpensive and quick, being able to be easily automated.

The method may also have an additional step of post-treating the falseeyelashes, making it possible to achieve disorganization of the freeends of the latter. In this post-treatment step, it is possible to passthe row of artificial eyelashes over one or more cylinders, making itpossible to exert friction on the false eyelashes. The cylinders mayalso be heated, in order to promote the disorganization. In this way, itis possible to achieve crossing of the false eyelashes that would beimpossible to obtain manually.

Curved False Eyelashes

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is a method for manufacturing a row of artificialeyelashes, having at least the two following steps of:

(a) knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to befixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two baseparts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of aneyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one anotherwith respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes, each base parthaving a first warp thread forming stitches, in particular achain-stitch knitted warp thread, and

(b) curving the row of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/orthe false eyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of anenergy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up,in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.Heating may involve the application of steam.

The false eyelashes may be formed from a single weft thread passing backand forth between the two base parts. In one embodiment, all the falseeyelashes of the row are formed from a single weft thread. Thus, onlyone weft thread is used to form all the false eyelashes. In a variant,the row could have a plurality of weft threads, for example two or more.It is thus possible to obtain a row of eyelashes with a more naturalappearance, with some false eyelashes crossing others.

The false eyelashes may be held in the stitches of the base part withoutbeing tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a stitch with thefirst warp thread.

The first and second warp threads may be made from a thermoformablematerial. The false eyelashes, and in particular the weft thread, may bemade from a thermoformable material.

In a variant or additionally, the first and/or second warp threads maybe made from a heat-shrink material. The heat-shrink nature of the firstand/or second warp threads may allow a fanning effect of the falseeyelashes. The first and/or second warp threads may have heat-shrinknatures with different shrinkage.

The method may have at least the following step of: (e) activating thewarp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, inorder to fix the stitches of the base part. The activation may involveheating, in particular by stoving or a heating roller or steam, forexample. Activation step (e) may take place preferably after knittingstep (a) and before one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentionedbelow. This activation step (e) may, in a variant, take place after oneor more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned below.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

Curving step (b) may take place preferably after knitting step (a). Thiscurving step (b) may take place at the same time as, or before, or, in avariant, after one or more of steps (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned aboveor below. In particular, steps (b) and (c) may be at the same time or,in a variant, consecutive, preferably with step (b) taking place beforestep (c), or, in a variant, step (c) may take place after step (b). Step(b) may take place after step (d) or, in a variant, step (d) may takeplace after step (b). Separation step (c) and cutting step (d) andcurving step (b) may be at the same time or in succession.

Curving step (b), separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be at thesame time or in succession.

In step (b), the energy stimulus may involve the application ofultrasound.

In step (b), the energy stimulus may involve the application of highfrequencies.

In step (b), the energy stimulus may involve the application of heating.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (c)separating the two base parts by cutting the weft thread, in particularin a median plane, so as to form in this way at least one row ofartificial eyelashes, in particular two rows that are symmetric withrespect to the median plane, in particular by mechanical cutting, byapplying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating. The median planemay be a plane of symmetry between the two base parts. The separationmay occur in particular in the median plane, or, in a variant, in aplane parallel to one of the base parts, close to the latter, forexample flush with said base part.

The method may also have the following additional step of: (d) cuttingthe rows of artificial eyelashes to the desired length, in particular bymechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or byheating. In this step (d), the rows of eyelashes are cut perpendicularlyto the median plane.

Separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be at the same time or insuccession.

It is possible to use a cutting tool to carry out curving step (b),separation step (c) and/or cutting step (d).

It is possible to use an anvil to carry out curving step (b), separationstep (c) and/or cutting step (d).

It is possible to use one and the same cutting tool and/or one and thesame anvil to carry out curving step (b), separation step (c) and/orcutting step (d).

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is a cutting tool for implementing a method formanufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes, in particular as aredescribed above, said cutting tool being configured to allow theapplication of a mechanical cut, ultrasound or high frequencies orheating to an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to befixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two baseparts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of aneyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one anotherwith respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes. The cut may or maynot take place in the median plane. The separation may occur inparticular in the median plane, or, in a variant, in a plane parallel toone of the base parts, close to the latter, for example flush with saidbase part.

False Eyelashes with Blocking of the Stitches

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is a row of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edgeof an eyelid, having (i) a base part intended to be fixed to the edge ofthe eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes,

the base part having a first warp thread forming stitches, in particulara chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the false eyelashes passing throughthe stitches of the base part, in particular through the chain stitchesof the first warp thread, and being retained in the stitches of the basepart without being tied thereto.

In this way, blocking of the stitches and of the false eyelashes in thestitches is obtained, making it possible to prevent the row ofartificial eyelashes from unraveling while it is being handled and/orused. In this way, greater security for the user is achieved, and anincrease in the lifetime of the row of artificial eyelashes.

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is a row of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edgeof an eyelid, having (i) a base part intended to be fixed to the edge ofthe eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes,

the base part having a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread, the falseeyelashes passing through the chain stitches of the first warp threadand being retained in the chain stitches of the first warp threadwithout being tied thereto.

The first warp thread may have a plurality of strands. Such aconfiguration with a plurality of strands makes it possible to increasethe tightness of the stitches of the warp thread by virtue in particularof greater internal friction of the thread. The number of strands of thewarp thread may be between 2 and 100 strands, better still between 20and 70 strands, being for example around 34 strands per warp thread. Across section of a strand may have a largest dimension that may bebetween 4 μm and 0.3 mm, better still between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm, beingfor example around 0.07 mm. The cross section of a strand may have ashape chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: circular,noncircular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, square, rectangular,triangular, hexagonal, lobed, trilobed, multilobed. The cross section ofa strand may be hollow.

In one embodiment, the base part may have a second warp thread, inparticular a chain-stitch knitted warp thread. It is possible for onlythe first warp thread to have a plurality of strands, or, in a variant,the first and second warp threads may each have a plurality of strands,thereby making it possible to further increase the tightness of thestitches of the warp threads and to improve the solidity of the row ofartificial eyelashes.

In an embodiment, the base part may have a first chain-stitch knittedwarp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passing through thechain stitches without being tied thereto, and a second chain-stitchknitted warp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passingthrough the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The first andsecond warp threads may be interwoven.

Preferably, at least one warp thread or warp thread strand isthermofusible. The thermofusible thread or strand may be activated afterthe knitting step, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. Theterm “activation” means a rise in temperature of the row of artificialeyelashes, making it possible to achieve partial or complete melting ofthe thermofusible thread or strand, without damaging the other threadsor strands that are not thermofusible. The melting of the thermofusiblethread or strand allows it to adhere to the adjacent threads or strands,and thus to further improve the solidity of the row of artificialeyelashes.

The first and second warp threads or warp thread strand may be made froma first thermofusible synthetic material, chosen for example from thefollowing list, which is not limiting: polyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PET,PBT, PES, PTFE, or a thread constituted of a core of polyolefin, PE, PP,PU, PA, PBT, PES, PTFE and coated with a heat-activatable adhesive or aheat-activatable resin, TPU silicone, CoPA, CoPES, TPU, TPE, EVA(ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, PA,PES, PVC.

The first and second warp threads or warp thread strand may be shaped bystretching.

The first and second warp threads or warp thread strand may be subjectedto a surface treatment for promoting the holding thereof.

The false eyelashes may be retained in the stitches of the base part byplastic deformation of the false eyelashes and/or of the warp thread, inparticular by applying a mechanical load in the presence of an energystimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes and/or of the warpthread to heat up, in particular by applying ultrasound or highfrequencies or by heating. Heating may involve the application of steam.

A further subject of the invention, independently of or in combinationwith the above, is a method for manufacturing a row of artificialeyelashes, having at least the following step of: (a) knitting anassembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to theedge of an eyelid, in particular as are described above, this assemblyhaving at least two base parts, at least one of which is intended to befixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel andsymmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane, and falseeyelashes, the base part having a first warp thread forming stitches, inparticular a chain-stitch knitted warp thread, at least one warp threador multistrand warp thread strand being thermofusible.

The false eyelashes may be formed from a single weft thread passing backand forth between the two base parts. In one embodiment, all the falseeyelashes of the row are formed from a single weft thread. Thus, onlyone weft thread is used to form all the false eyelashes. In a variant,the row could have a plurality of weft threads, for example two. It isthus possible to obtain a row of eyelashes with a more naturalappearance, with some false eyelashes crossing others.

The false eyelashes may be held in the stitches of the base part withoutbeing tied thereto. The weft thread does not form a stitch with thefirst warp thread.

The method may also have at least the following step of: (e) activatingthe warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand which isthermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. Theactivation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heatingroller or steam, for example. Activation step (e) may take placepreferably after knitting step (a) and before one or more of steps (b),(c) and/or (d) mentioned above. This activation step (e) may, in avariant, take place after one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d)mentioned above.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

Curving step (b), separation step (c) and cutting step (d) may be at thesame time or in succession.

The method may also have at least the following step of: (f) applyingplastic deformation to the false eyelashes and/or the warp thread, inparticular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.Heating may involve the application of steam. Step (f) of applyingplastic deformation may preferably take place after knitting step (a).This step (f) of applying plastic deformation may take place before or,in a variant, after one or more of steps (b), (c), (d) and/or (e)mentioned above. Curving step (b), separation step (c) and cutting step(d) may be at the same time or in succession.

Shaping step (f) may make it possible to curve the base part intended tobe fixed to the edge of the eyelid, in order to confer the shape of theeyelid thereon. This step (f) may be carried out for example at the sametime as step (b) of curving the false eyelashes or, for example, afterall the other steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood better from reading the followingdetailed description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof andfrom examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a row of artificial eyelashes according tothe invention.

FIG. 2 a shows, in a conventional schematic manner, an assembly forforming rows of artificial eyelashes.

FIG. 2 b is a view similar to FIG. 2 a of an embodiment variant.

FIG. 3 a is a view similar to FIG. 2 a of an embodiment variant, in aconventional schematic depiction.

FIG. 3 b is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 a in a realistic depiction.

FIG. 3 c is a view similar to FIG. 2 a of an embodiment variant, in aconventional schematic depiction.

FIG. 3 d is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 c in a realistic depiction.

FIG. 4 a is a view similar to FIG. 2 a of another embodiment variant, ina conventional schematic depiction.

FIG. 4 b is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 a in a realistic depiction.

FIG. 5 a is a view similar to FIG. 2 a of another embodiment variant, ina conventional schematic depiction.

FIG. 5 b is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 a in a realistic depiction.

FIG. 5 c is a view similar to FIG. 2 a of an embodiment variant, in aconventional schematic depiction.

FIG. 5 d is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 c in a realistic depiction.

FIG. 6 schematically and partially illustrates a knitting machineaccording to the invention.

FIG. 7 a is a perspective view of a curving tool according to theinvention.

FIG. 7 b is a view thereof in use.

FIG. 7 c is a perspective view of an embodiment variant.

FIG. 8 is a schematic and partial view in cross section of the curvingtool in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b.

FIG. 9 is a schematic and partial view in cross section of an embodimentvariant of a cutting tool.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 3 b of an embodiment variant, in arealistic depiction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a row 10 of artificial eyelashes that is intended tobe fixed to the edge of an eyelid. This row 10 has (i) a base part 12intended to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid, and (ii) false eyelashes14.

The base part 12 has a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, thefalse eyelashes 14 passing through the chain stitches without being tiedthereto. The false eyelashes do not form a chain stitch. They are bentin a U shape, with the bottom of the U retained without a knot in thefirst warp thread 16, as illustrated.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 a in a conventional schematic depiction, allthe false eyelashes 14 of the row 10 are formed from a single weftthread T. Thus, only one weft thread is used to form all the falseeyelashes. In a variant, there could be a plurality of weft threads, inparticular in the case of threads with different colors. The base part12 has a first chain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, the weft thread Tpassing through the chain stitches without being tied thereto. The weftthread T passes back and forth between two base parts 12, which extendparallel and symmetrically to one another.

FIG. 2 a shows an assembly 20 for forming rows of artificial eyelashesto be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, in particular as described above.The assembly 20 has two base parts 12, at least one of which is intendedto be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel andsymmetrically to one another with respect to a median plane P.

The assembly 20 also has false eyelashes 14, which are formed from asingle weft thread T passing back and forth between the two base parts12.

The weft thread is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the baseparts. The weft thread is intended to be cut between the two base parts,in particular in the median plane P, so as to separate the base parts 12and thus form two rows of artificial eyelashes. The false eyelashes maybe regularly distributed over the base part, being in particulardisposed with a regular spacing, which is for example always identical.It is possible for the weft thread not to be cut between the two baseparts in the median plane P, but close to one of the two base parts. Inthis case, only one row of artificial eyelashes can then be obtained.

In an embodiment variant illustrated in FIG. 2 b , the assembly hasthree base parts 12, which are disposed parallel to one another andsymmetrically with respect to a median plane P. The median plane may forexample pass through a central base part, with the two other base partsbeing disposed on either side of the central base part, parallel andsymmetrically to one another with respect to the median plane. In thiscase, there are two weft threads T, with a single weft thread passingback and forth between two base parts.

In this embodiment variant, the three base parts are separated in afirst separation plane P′ parallel to one of the base parts, close tothe latter, for example flush with said base part, and in a secondseparation plane P″ parallel to one of the base parts, close to thelatter, for example flush with said base part. In the exampleillustrated, the base part in question is the central base part.

In the assembly 20 in FIG. 2 a , each base part 12 has a firstchain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, the weft thread T passing throughthe chain stitches without being tied thereto. The weft thread does notform a chain stitch. The weft thread does not form a stitch with thefirst warp thread.

The first warp thread 16 of the base part 12 forms closed chain stitchesin the example illustrated. In a variant or additionally, the first warpthread forms open chain stitches.

In the embodiment that has just been described, the row has only onefirst warp thread 16.

In a variant, and as illustrated in the embodiments in FIGS. 3 a to 5 b, the base part 12 may have a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread18. The false eyelashes 14 pass through the chain stitches of thissecond warp thread 18 without being tied thereto. In the assemblies 20in FIGS. 3 a to 5 b , each base part has a second chain-stitch knittedwarp thread 18, the weft thread passing through the chain stitcheswithout being tied thereto. The first 16 and second 18 warp threads maybe interwoven.

The second warp thread may form closed or open chain stitches.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b , the first andsecond warp threads each form closed chain stitches. The closed chainstitches are disposed symmetrically with respect to one another.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 c and 3 d , the first andsecond warp threads each form closed chain stitches, which are allsuperposed, meaning that they each follow exactly the same path.Moreover, the first and second warp threads each form closed chainstitches.

In a variant, the first warp thread forms closed chain stitches and thesecond warp thread forms open chain stitches, as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4 b.

In a further variant, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , thefirst and second warp threads each form open chain stitches.

In the embodiments that have just been described, the row has only oneweft thread. It could have for example two thereof, as illustrated byway of example in FIGS. 5 c and 5 d . The second weft thread T′ does notpass, in this example, through all the chain stitches of the warpthreads. Moreover, the second weft thread T′ in places crosses the firstweft thread T. This makes it advantageously possible to be able to forma row of eyelashes with a more natural appearance, with some falseeyelashes crossing others.

The embodiment of FIG. 10 is similar to the one of FIG. 3 b , with thefollowing difference. In the embodiment of FIG. 10 , the base part 12has an additional thread 24 being interwoven with the first chain-stitchknitted warp thread 16 and the second chain-stitch knitted warp thread18. There are in particular two additional thread 24, one in each basepart 12.

The assembly 20 may be obtained by means of a knitting machine 30, asillustrated in FIG. 6 . The machine 30 has compound needles 32.

The compound needle 32 is formed of a body 33 and a sliding element 34.The body 33 is made up of a butt 33 a, a stem 33 b and a hook 33 c. Thesliding element 34 is made up of a butt 34 a and a stem 34 b. Thesliding element may slide inside the stem of the body, closing andopening the hook 33 c of the needle. The body of the needle and thesliding element thus move independently and in a synchronized manner.

The machine 30 does not in particular have a latch needle with a latcharticulated on the stem, nor does it have a sinker.

The machine 30 has a thread guide 35 that deposits the weft thread Tthat is going to form the false eyelashes. This thread guide moves fromright to left and from left to right above the compound needle 32.

The machine 30 also has a first guide bar 36 for feeding the first warpthread 16. This first guide bar 36 moves from right to left and fromleft to right, and from top to bottom and from bottom to top, in orderto turn about the compound needle. The left-right movement may varydepending on whether the warp thread 16 is intended to be knitted withopen or closed chain stitches.

Finally, the machine 30 has a second guide bar 38 for feeding the secondwarp thread 18. This second guide bar 38 moves from right to left andfrom left to right, and makes it possible to deposit the second warpthread in the hook 33 c of the compound needle. This second warp thread18 makes it possible to better fix the first warp thread 16, therebymaking it difficult to undo the chain stitches of the base part. Theknit obtained is thus unravelable.

The method for manufacturing a row of artificial eyelashes will now bedescribed.

In a first step (a), an assembly 20 having two base parts 12, at leastone of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid, which aredisposed parallel and symmetrically to one another with respect to amedian plane P, and false eyelashes 14, which are formed from a singleweft thread T running back and forth between the two base parts, isknitted by means of compound needles.

The knitting takes place such that each base part has a firstchain-stitch knitted warp thread 16, and a second chain-stitch knittedwarp thread 18, the weft thread passing through the chain stitcheswithout being tied thereto, and the weft thread not forming a chainstitch.

The method may have the step (b) of curving the row of artificialeyelashes and/or the base part and/or the false eyelashes by applying amechanical load in the presence of an energy stimulus causing thematerial of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular by applyingultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.

The method then has the step (c) of separating the two base parts 12 bycutting the weft thread T, in particular in the median plane P, so as toform in this way at least one row of artificial eyelashes, in particulartwo rows of artificial eyelashes. Step (c) may occur by mechanicalcutting, by application of ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.The median plane P may be a plane of symmetry between the two base parts12.

The method may finally then have the step (d) of cutting the rows ofartificial eyelashes to the desired length. In this step (d), the rowsof eyelashes are cut perpendicularly to the median plane P. The cut maybe effected by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or highfrequencies or by heating.

Curving step (b) may take place preferably after knitting step (a). Thiscurving step (b) may take place before, at the same time as or, in avariant, after one or more of steps (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned aboveor below. Steps (b) and (c) may be at the same time or, in a variant,consecutive, preferably with step (b) taking place before step (c), or,in a variant, step (c) may take place after step (b). Step (b) may takeplace after step (d) or, in a variant, step (d) may take place afterstep (b). Separation step (c) and cutting step (d) and curving step (b)may be at the same time or in succession.

FIG. 7 a shows a curving tool 39 and an anvil 50 that are used to carryout curving step (b). This curving tool is configured to allow theapplication of a mechanical load in the presence of an energy stimuluscausing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up, in particular byapplying ultrasound or high frequencies to or by heating the assembly20, as illustrated in FIG. 7 b . Heating may involve the application ofsteam.

The curving tool 35 and the anvil 50 may have complementary shapes, asillustrated schematically in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 7 c shows a cutting tool 40 and an anvil 45 that are used to carryout curving step (b) and/or separation step (c). It is possible to usethe same cutting tool and/or the same anvil to carry out curving step(b) and separation step (c). This cutting tool is configured to allowthe application of a mechanical cut, ultrasound or high frequencies orheating to the assembly 20.

The cutting tool and the anvil may have complementary shapes, asillustrated schematically in FIG. 9 .

Moreover, the cutting tool and the anvil may have a separating edge 42,as illustrated in FIG. 9 , in order to implement step (c) of separatingthe base parts by cutting the weft thread T.

In the embodiment variant illustrated in FIG. 7 c , the anvil 45 isU-shaped. It can be used to carry out separation step (c) and/or cuttingstep (d). It is possible to use the same cutting tool and/or the sameanvil to carry out separation step (c) and cutting step (d). The cuttingtool 10 is configured to allow the application of a mechanical cut,ultrasound or high frequencies or heating.

In one embodiment variant, the weft thread is retained in the stitchesof the base part without being tied thereto, thereby making it possibleto block the stitches and the false eyelashes in the stitches.

To this end, the first warp thread may have a plurality of strandsand/or the second warp thread may have a plurality of strands, and/orthe first and second warp threads may each have a plurality of strands.

In one embodiment, at least one warp thread or warp thread strand may bethermofusible. The thermofusible thread or strand may be activated afterthe knitting step, in order to fix the stitches of the base part.

In these embodiments, the method has step (e) of activating the warpthread or multistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, inorder to fix the stitches of the base part. The activation may involveheating, in particular by stoving or a heating roller or steam, forexample. Next, the assembly is cleaned.

Activation step (e) may take place preferably after knitting step (a)and before one or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned above.This activation step (e) may take place before or, in a variant, afterone or more of steps (b), (c) and/or (d) mentioned above.

Next, the assembly is cleaned.

The false eyelashes may be retained in the stitches of the base part byplastic deformation of the false eyelashes and/or of the warp thread, inparticular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.Heating may involve the application of steam.

In this embodiment, the method has step (f) of applying plasticdeformation to the false eyelashes and/or the warp thread. Step (f) ofapplying plastic deformation may occur by application of ultrasound orhigh frequencies or by heating. Step (f) of applying plastic deformationmay preferably take place after knitting step (a). This step (f) ofapplying plastic deformation may take place before or, in a variant,after one or more of steps (b), (c), (d) and/or (e) mentioned above.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodimentsthat have just been described.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method is carried out with thesuccession of the following steps of:

(a) knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to befixed to the edge of an eyelid, this assembly having at least two baseparts, at least one of which is intended to be fixed to the edge of aneyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetrically to one anotherwith respect to a median plane, and false eyelashes, each base parthaving a first warp thread forming stitches, in particular achain-stitch knitted warp thread.

(e) activating the warp thread or multistrand warp thread strand whichis thermofusible, in order to fix the stitches of the base part. Theactivation may involve heating, in particular by stoving or a heatingroller or steam, for example. Next, the assembly is cleaned.

(b) curving the row of artificial eyelashes and/or the base part and/orthe false eyelashes by applying a mechanical load in the presence of anenergy stimulus causing the material of the false eyelashes to heat up,in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or by heating.Heating may involve the application of steam.

(c) separating the two base parts by cutting the weft thread, inparticular in a median plane, so as to form in this way at least one rowof artificial eyelashes, in particular two rows of artificial eyelashes,in particular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or highfrequencies or by heating. The median plane may be a plane of symmetrybetween the two base parts.

(d) cutting the rows of artificial eyelashes to the desired length, inparticular by mechanical cutting, by applying ultrasound or highfrequencies or by heating. In this step (d), the rows of eyelashes arecut perpendicularly to the median plane.

(f) applying plastic deformation to the false eyelashes and/or the warpthread, in particular by applying ultrasound or high frequencies or byheating. Heating may involve the application of steam.

The expression “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with“comprising at least one”.

1. A row of artificial eyelashes to be fixed to the edge of an eyelid,having (i) a base part configured to be fixed to the edge of the eyelid,and (ii) false eyelashes, the base part having a first chain-stitchknitted warp thread forming stitches, the false eyelashes passingthrough the chain stitches without being tied thereto, the base parthaving a second chain-stitch knitted warp thread forming stitches, thefalse eyelashes passing through the chain stitches without being tiedthereto, the first and second warp threads being interwoven, the falseeyelashes passing through the stitches of the base part, in particularthrough the chain stitches of the first warp thread, and being retainedin the stitches of the base part without being tied thereto.
 2. The rowof artificial eyelashes of claim 1, wherein the first warp thread has aplurality of strands.
 3. The row of artificial eyelashes of claim 1,wherein at least one warp thread or warp thread strand is thermofusible.4. The row of artificial eyelashes of claim 1, wherein at least one warpthread or warp thread strand is made from a first thermofusiblesynthetic material, chosen from the following list: polyolefin, PE, PP,PU, PA, PET, PBT, PES, PTFE, or a thread constituted of a core ofpolyolefin, PE, PP, PU, PA, PBT, PES, PTFE and coated with aheat-activatable adhesive or a heat-activatable resin, TPU silicone,CoPA, CoPES, TPU, TPE, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyolefins,polyethylene, polypropylene, PA, PES, PVC.
 5. The row of artificialeyelashes of claim 1, wherein the false eyelashes are retained in thestitches of the base part by plastic deformation of the false eyelashesand/or of the warp thread.
 6. A method for manufacturing a row ofartificial eyelashes, having at least the following step of: (a)knitting an assembly for forming rows of artificial eyelashes to befixed to the edge of an eyelid, as claimed in claim 1, the assemblyhaving at least two base parts, at least one is configured to be fixedto the edge of an eyelid, which are disposed parallel and symmetricallyto one another with respect to a median plane (P), and false eyelashes,each base part having a first warp thread forming stitches.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising activating the warp thread ormultistrand warp thread strand which is thermofusible, to fix thestitches of the base part.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprisingapplying plastic deformation to the false eyelashes and/or the warpthread.